Tri-State Hunters - NY State Senate Looking to Pass Anti-Hunting Legislation

It is imperative that all residents, hunters, and individuals who use New York as a port of entry for the importation of hunting trophies put a stop to this dangerous legislation. SCI is urging all of its tri-state members to contact as many New York state Senators and Assembly members and ask them to oppose Senate Bill 4686.

On April 8, 2015, New York state Senator Tony Avella (D-11) introduced proposed legislation that would completely ban the import, possession, sale and transportation of five African species in New York. SB 4686, Foreign Game, is supported by PETA, Friends of Animals and the League of Human Voters.

For hunters, the legislation’s terminology may be misleading. Although state Senator Avella’s proposed law would amend New York’s environmental conservation statute, concerning the “big five African species,” this bill would not protect the traditional “Big Five” (Lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and Cape buffalo). The bill excludes the Cape buffalo but applies to both the white and black rhinoceros.

According to state Senator Avella, this legislation is intended to protect these species in the wild. Neither the bill nor its supporters can explain exactly how such legislation would positively impact these African game species. In fact, passage of such a law would undermine species conservation, adversely affect sportsmen and women throughout New York, and remove jobs and livelihoods for many African people.

SB 4686 is aimed at dissuading New York’s sportsmen and women from hunting in Africa. It also targets the many other hunters who use New York as an entry port. If hunters cannot import their trophies, they will be discouraged from hunting in Africa and will stop bringing important revenue into the countries in which they hunt. The countries and local communities will lose out on the much needed revenue that stimulates their rural economies and provides funding for conservation efforts in Africa. Without the money brought in by hunters, the countries and professional hunting businesses will lack the funds needed to hire and outfit anti-poaching patrol.

SB 4686 has already been adopted by the New York state Senate. To become law, it also needs to be passed in the state Assembly. At this time, there is no companion bill for the state Assembly to vote on but Senator Avella has made passing SB 4686 his number one legislative priority. He is actively searching for an Assembly member to introduce that companion bill. This must not happen!

It is imperative that all residents, hunters, and individuals who use New York as a port of entry for the importation of hunting trophies put a stop to this dangerous legislation. It is time for everyone reading this alert to contact as many New York state legislators TODAY to urge them to oppose SB 4686 and to prevent the introduction of a bill in the Assembly!

SCI’s opposition to SB 4686 is necessary for the conservation of many African wildlife species. SCI is appalled by the poaching of any species, including any of the five species mentioned in Senator Avella’s legislation. SCI and its members remain dedicated to fight the illegal take of wildlife and cannot and will not support ill-conceived legislation that undercuts international wildlife conservation.

Please contact your state Senator and Assembly member today and politely urge him or her to OPPOSE Senate Bill 4686.

As much as many people here like to indulge in SCI bashing. Here is a circular from SCI. Please do your part. Its NY first followed by every other state soon if we ALL don't do something.

Please contact your state Senator and Assembly member today and politely urge him or her to OPPOSE Senate Bill 4686.

Thanks,

Arjun Reddy